Dodge · 1942–1945

Dodge WC-54

The Dodge WC-54, Ambulance, 3⁄4-ton, 4 x 4 (SNL supply catalog designation G-502), was the main military ambulance variant of the prolific Dodge WC series of light 4×4 trucks, developed during World War II. Built from 1942 until 1945, they served as the U.S. Army's main dedicated ambulance (besides the many multi-purpose jeeps serving as such), with many also serving in the Korean War, in the U.S. Army Medical Corps, some used as late as 1953; and others serving as late as the 1960s in the armies of some European countries.

Text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Successor: Dodge M37

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Design and production

The 3⁄4‑ton WC-54 was designed as successor to the previous 1/2-ton, 4×4, G-505 models WC-9, WC-18, and WC-27 Dodge Ambulance trucks. Although based on the 3/4-ton Dodge "Beep" chassis, which front and rear axles featured wider tracks of 64+3⁄4 in (1.64 m), the 3/4-ton ambulance versions retained a longer wheelbase, very close to that of the previous half-tonners, as well as somewhat rounded, upward sloping nose sheetmetal, instead of the fully horizontal, flat and wider engine-cover of the main 3⁄4‑ton redesigned WC-models. The WC-54s also had adjusted suspension to make their ride softer. The closed sheet-metal body was made by Wayne Body works. It had room for a driver and four to seven patients plus a medic. If the fold-away bunk stretchers were used, four patients could be transported lying down. Because of its intended role, the WC-54 featured a large matrix cab heater fitted on the inner firewall, providing comfort for patients and crew. It was fitted with a foldaway step to its rear to allow easier access for stretcher bearers and injured personnel. Early models featured a stuck out fuel filler cap which was changed to a recessed one in the later model, a modification that was retrofitted to some early model trucks. Drivers preferred WC54 to the Ford ambulance, Austin K2/Y, and other vehicles, because of its unusual 4x4 drive. An American Field Service volunteer reported that WC54 was "not very much more difficult to drive than a pleasure car", and another recalled "the nimble four-wheel drive Dodge ambulances which would become an extension of ourselves in the years ahead". They praised its versatility and reliability. From 1942 to 1945, total production of the 3/4-ton Dodge WC-series was some 255,000. Of these, 29,502 were ambulances — 26,002 WC‑54 and 3,500

In popular culture

As a result of the WC-54's continued use in the Korean War, they were often visible in the 1972 to 1983 M*A*S*H TV series, a comedy drama set in that war.

Sections adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0); text is shortened. Read the full article for the complete history and citations.

Specifications

name

Dodge WC-54 / WC-64

Manufacturer

Fargo (Dodge)

Production

1942–1944 (WC-54), 26,002 built, 1945 (WC-64 KD), 3,500 built

Predecessor

Dodge G-505 1/2-Ton, 4×4 ambulances

Successor

Dodge M43, M37 3⁄4-ton truck series

Class

Light truck

Engine

230 cuin I6

Transmission

4-speed manual

Length

194+1/2 in

Width

77+3/4 in

Height

90+3/8 in

Kerb weight

2680 kg

Wheelbase

121 in

Specification summary from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0). Measured facts from Wikidata (CC0). Check the linked sources for citations.

More photos

Sources

• Wikidata — https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q954551CC0 1.0 · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dodge_WC54CC BY-SA 4.0 · Text © Wikipedia contributors; revision 1347598730 · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Wikimedia Commons — https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Dodge_T214-WC54.jpgCC BY-SA 3.0 · Photo: nl:User:JePe · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Car Model Index — https://models.autoculturesociety.com/Compiled record. Sources that do not permit reuse are not copied; this index is credited instead.

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